 | Sydney Wildlife Rescue |
To register with Sydney Wildlife Rescue as a new rescuer/carer,
complete the form below.
Thank you for considering this training course to help our injured and orphaned native wildlife. We look forward to welcoming you into the organisation.
The course has 2 components:
1. An online course from Saturday the 31st of May to Thursday the 19th of June 2025. It is self-paced, has 10 modules with assessments and runs for 20 days. It takes about 10 to 12 hours to complete.
2. An in-person practical on Sunday 22nd of June 2025 where you will meet experienced members who will help you with hands-on practical skills. It will be held in North Sydney.
Please save the dates as both components must be completed to pass the course.
The Rescue and Care Course is designed and run by the Sydney Wildlife Training Committee and complies with the NSW Government's species codes of practice and training standards. It is run on a cost-neutral basis. Trainers will be on hand to provide help and guidance throughout the online and practical components.
- To complete registration, you must upload a clear, passport-style photo (head and shoulders only) of yourself.
- Pay the $120 fee (your first annual Wildlife Carer’s Licence cost of $30 is included in this payment).
If you have recently resigned from another wildlife organisation and have rescue/care experience and equipment to rescue and rehabilitate wildlife, you need to successfully complete the online component and attend the practical session. You do not need to receive a rescue basket containing basic equipment and supplies. The reduced cost of $55 covers the membership fee for your first year and a Sydney Wildlife Rescue Hi-Viz vest.
Your membership will not progress until these are received. At the practical session, proof of identity will be required to receive your Sydney Wildlife ID card.
Once you have completed the practical session, you will receive a rescue basket containing basic equipment and supplies for rescues and care. This includes packages of suitable foods, oral rehydration fluid, and a versatile lightweight net. Depending on availability, other items are added.
As a new member you will receive on-going in-field support. More experienced members in your branch will be available to you as mentors to help you in your early days as a wildlife carer; along with our branch species coordinators they will ensure that you have someone to turn to when you need help and advice. You will be joining a local group, one of five branches within an organisation of friendly wildlife carers, with all the benefits of a large network.
Please complete all the fields in the application form (unless nominated as office use only). All are required for membership. NOTE: You are not required to enter a membership number. This will be allocated to you once you have completed the course. Leave this field with 000.
Sydney Wildlife will not share any personal information you provide (including basic contact details) with any other party.
- You must be over 18 years of age.
- You must be a permanent resident of Australia or have a long-term visa.
- You must not be a member of another wildlife rehabilitation organisation. If you are a member of another wildlife organisation you will need to resign before Sydney Wildlife can accept you as a full member. If you have been a member of another organisation, that organisation will be asked for a reference.
- You must be willing to comply with Sydney Wildlife's COVID safety requirements to protect our vulnerable members and callers.
- You must be able to attend the full in-person practical session. Unfortunately, children are not allowed to attend the practical session.
- You must reside within the boundaries of the National Parks and Wildlife approved area for Sydney Wildlife Rescue. Put simply this is South of the Hawkesbury River, East of the Nepean River and North of the Wollondilly River.
Once you have completed the application form, uploaded your photograph and paid your course fee, we will process your registration, check the details and send you more information. Please be patient. This process may take a few weeks as all our administration is done by unpaid volunteers.
Please note: Fees are not refundable if you start, but do not complete the course. You may apply to re-register for the next scheduled course at no extra charge.
If you have any questions or would like to be put on the list for the next course scheduled for October 2025, please email training@sydneywildlife.org.au. One of our friendly Training Committee members will get back to you as soon as possible.
We hope you enjoy the course.